"I’m not thinking about Brazil" says Deulofeu

Gerard Deulofeu is Vicente Del Bosque’s preferred choice to deputise for injury-hit Jesús Navas should the Manchester City player fail to recover from an ankle problem. The Barça midfielder is hoping to impress the coach in Friday’s friendly against Bolivia but revealed today that he was relaxing on holiday and the idea of receiving a call-up was the furthest from his mind when Andoni Zubizarreta phoned him with the news.

Unexpected call: “On May 12 my loan at Everton ended and I was at home, on my holidays. Zubi phoned me on the Tuesday and told me that there was a chance that I could get called up. I started trained and was working out for the rest of the week when I found out on the Friday that I was in the list”.

Playing at the World Cup finals: “I’m not thinking about Brazil, only enjoying this week with the squad. I’m going to be learning from some of the great players and whatever happens after that, will happen”.

Navas recovery: “He’s injured which puts me a little closer to going to Brazil but like I say, I’m not thinking about that”.

Dream week: “It’s been a fantastic week, really great. I’ve been given a place in Barça’s first team squad for the new season and also this opportunity from the national team which I want to make the most of”.

Everton experience: “It was a great experience for me. I learned so much – as a player and as a person. I could have given a lot more for the team but I was unlucky to get injured and was out for two months. I’ve achieved my objective which was to return home to Barcelona”.

Settling in: “The Barça players have really helped me to settle in and feel a part of the group”.